Dear Friends,

Many of us have cherished Christmas memories and stories. But while reminiscing feels good in the moment, our family’s present circumstances can threaten to overshadow the true reason for the season. Because perhaps more than any other holiday, Christmas is loaded with emotions and expectations. Christian families with gay and transgender loved ones often feel particularly helpless this time of year when the longing for joy and peace collides with unwelcome anxiety and conflict. We may find despair in our family’s current “story.”

Just when hope seems far-off  – God is with us. Immanuel.

Two thousand years ago, the first Christmas was also laden with emotions and expectations. During the height of Roman oppression and cruelty, Israel cried out to God for deliverance. Thankfully, His mission was not hindered by tumultuous times, but instead was fully engaged for “when the right time came, God sent his Son”1. In a cramped, stinky stable in backwoods Bethlehem, God chose to personally enter humanity. Scripture records the angel Gabrielle announcing to Mary, “You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”2

Just when hope seems lost – God is with us. Immanuel.

Contrary to people’s image of the conquering king, Jesus grew up without political power or status. He proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth and the life – no one comes to the Father except through Me.”3 Ultimately, His declaration was overwhelmingly unpopular at the time. He was rejected and despised. The story twists and turns with betrayal and abandonment. The cross looked like a miserable ending. But as promised, three days later, Jesus victoriously rose from the grave.

Just when hope seems dead – God is with us. Immanuel.

This Christmas season and in the new year, I encourage you to prayerfully surrender your circumstances to the LORD. Trust Him to work wonders, most likely in mysterious ways. Allow Him to incline your heart to align with His. Accept His wisdom. Follow where He leads. And may you witness redemption, restoration, and reconciliation woven into your family’s story. “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”4

Rejoice, my precious friends! We are not alone. Our hope is secure in Christ Jesus – who was, who is, and who is to come. God is with us. Immanuel!

1Galatians 4:4

2Luke 1:31-33

3John 14:6      

4Romans 8:28

New International Version (NIV)